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** 16 June 2020
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** UK
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** Study: Loneliness makes it harder to quit smoking (#1)
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** HSJ podcast: What the next six months hold for the NHS (#2)
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** Smoking behind the wheel could see motorists fined and issued penalty points (#3)
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** North East: Woman convicted for smuggling illicit tobacco (#4)

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** 14,000 illegal cigarettes and tobacco products seized in Redbridge (#5)
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** International
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** India: The importance of quitting smoking amidst COVID-19 crisis (#6)
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** UK
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** Researchers from the University of Bristol have found evidence for a causal link between the prolonged experience of loneliness and smoking.

The researchers used a novel research method - Mendelian randomization, which uses genetic and surveys data from hundreds of thousands of people - finding that loneliness appears to lead to an increased likelihood of smoking. Possible explanations include cigarettes being a source of comfort or alleviator of anxiety, or merely providing an everyday activity that can fill long periods. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable premature death, with 30 times as many people who die suffering serious smoking-related illnesses such as cancer, heart, and respiratory disease.

YouGov's COVID-19 tracker also suggests 2.2 million people across the UK are smoking more than they were before lockdown, while loneliness has also increased in many households due to the virus.

Dr Robyn Wootton, the co-lead author, said: "Suddenly, the whole of the UK has become more socially isolated than ever before, and for many people, this will likely increase their loneliness, "….We were really interested to find that loneliness decreases the likelihood of stopping smoking, and we think this is a really important consideration for those trying to stop smoking during the pandemic."

Dr Jorien Treur, the senior author, said: "Our finding that smoking may also lead to more loneliness is tentative, but it is in line with other recent studies that identified smoking as a risk factor for poor mental health. A potential mechanism for this relationship is that nicotine from cigarette smoke interferes with neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the brain."

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action of Smoking Health (ASH), commented that: "If lonely people are more likely to start smoking and find it harder to quit, they are more likely to suffer the harm caused by smoking. This research highlights the need for smokers suffering from loneliness to be given support to stop, to improve not just their health and wellbeing but also to help reduce their loneliness.”

Source: Daily Mail, 15 June 2020

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** See also: The Sun - LONE SMOKER Lonely people find it harder to quit smoking and more likely to pick up the habit, study finds ([link removed])
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University of Bristol: Bi-directional effects between loneliness, smoking and alcohol use: Evidence from a Mendelian randomisation study ([link removed])
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Read Article ([link removed])


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**
Alastair McLellan, Health Services Journal (HSJ) editor, discusses with senior correspondents Annabelle Collins and Nick Carding, the next phase for the NHS as services and government respond to the ongoing threat of coronavirus.

Alastair explores when more normal non-COVID care will return, what it means for NHS waiting lists and emergency care “in the time of COVID”, spending, service reform, and how the NHS will run going forward.

Source: HSJ, 11 June 2020

See also: HSJ: The NHS in the time of COVID: what happens next ([link removed])
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Listen to the podcast ([link removed])


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** According to the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), smoking inside a vehicle is not illegal, but road users could face charges if they are distracted behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road to light a cigarette could be considered putting yourself and other road users at risk.

If police officers believe your overall car control has been affected, they can issue charges for driving without due care and attention. In extreme circumstances and if a case ends up in court, road users could be issued a fine of up to £2,500, nine penalty points and even a temporary ban. This rule could also apply to e-cigarettes, such as those which give off plumes of vapour as this could distract motorists' attention away from vital road hazards.

Motorists can also be fined if they smoke in a vehicle when there are children present. The Children and Families Act 2015 means it is illegal to smoke in a private vehicle with someone aged under 18 present.

Failing to prevent smoking in a private vehicle with someone under the age of 18, is also an offence. The AA warns motorists who fail to follow the rules can be issued a £50 on the spot fine from officers who stop a vehicle. A recent analysis from Imperial College London found the ban has led to a 4.1% reduction in the number of children exposed to cigarette smoke in cars.

Source: Express, 15 June 2020
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** A woman has been convicted of attempting to smuggle 130,000 cigarettes and 10 kilos of tobacco into the UK from Poland, by having them hidden in various parts of her car.
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** Newcastle Crown Court heard it was on 7 September 2019 that she arrived at North Shields Ferry Terminal from Amsterdam. When stopped by Border Force, she admitted having around 1,000 cigarettes, but a search of her car revealed many more. The total potential duty evaded would have been £41,164.

Ms Sobieraj pleaded guilty to fraudulently evading duty owed on the cigarettes and tobacco and was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

Source: Chronicle Live, 15 June 2020
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** Redbridge Council has seized more than 14,000 illegal cigarettes and tobacco products from a trader in Ilford.

The Council’s Trading Standards Licensing Team and police in Redbridge received reports that a store in Ilford Lane was selling the products. Initially, it appeared the shop was only selling the usual groceries and confectionary items. However, upon closer inspection, officers discovered a false wall at the rear of the shop, which was hiding a large stash of illegal and counterfeit products.

Illicit tobacco deprives the government of tax revenue and takes money away from genuine tobacco retailers by creating an unfair trading environment.

Councillor Jas Athwal, the Leader of Redbridge Council, said:” [.……] we need do everything we can to try and nip it [illegal tobacco] in the bud … there is also mounting evidence the money from the sale of illegal tobacco can often find its way into the pockets of those involved in more serious crime.”
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Source: Time 107.5 FM, 10 June 2020
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Read Article ([link removed])


** International
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** Dr Shravan S Shetty, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Asian Cancer Institute Mumbai, shares his opinion on why it is important to quit smoking amidst COVID-19 crisis.

"Almost 29% of Indians (260 million people) aged 15 years and above consume some form of tobacco, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer as well as other non-cancerous conditions like chronic respiratory disease, heart disease. This COVID-19 pandemic which has struck us, has affected us both physically and mentally. In a low-and-middle-income country like ours, the financial impact cannot be overlooked [...]

"Also, the deaths among COVID-19 patients are higher in those with comorbidities like heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer, some of which are related directly to tobacco consumption or smoking. The consumption of smokeless tobacco is quite high in our country. Saliva contains a high load of the virus in an infected patient. Chewing of tobacco increases the urge to spit, which risks the entire population in the radius.

"According to a recent poll, 67% of the population in India has considered quitting, and 69% have attempted quitting. 46% of people have reported a decrease in using nicotine and tobacco products while 48% of people do physical exercise and 46% of people do meditation to cope with stress and anxiety.

"This lockdown could be the best opportunity to quit as you would have to maintain social distancing or stay at home. The physical benefits of quitting smoking, include better vision, sharp hearing, clean mouth, broken addiction cycle, clear skin, decreased heart risks, lower cholesterol, stops lung damage, better immunity, lower cancer risk, proper healing, stronger muscles and stronger bones.

"It lowers the financial burden on the family in terms of the need for hospitalization due to tobacco-related chronic diseases and COVID-19.

"So, quit tobacco today and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Many online tobacco cessation resources can help you quit."

Source: Pinkvilla, 15 June 2020

See also: Today is the day ([link removed] )
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For more information call 020 7404 0242, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk

ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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